Department of Education cuts nearly half its workforce, leaving over 1,300 employees without jobs as the Trump administration takes steps toward potentially dismantling the agency.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Education has laid off 1,315 employees, reducing its workforce by approximately 50% from 4,133 to 2,183 staff members.
- Affected employees will receive administrative leave starting March 21, with full pay and benefits until June 9, plus severance and retirement benefits.
- Secretary Linda McMahon assures these cuts won’t impact critical functions like student loans, Pell Grants, special needs funding, or competitive grant making.
- While President Trump aims to dissolve the department and return education control to states, complete dismantling requires Congressional approval with 60 Senate votes.
- The restructuring includes consolidating six communications offices, ending leases in major cities, and consolidating Washington D.C. buildings.
Massive Workforce Reduction Details
The Department of Education has announced a substantial reduction in its workforce, eliminating 1,315 positions and shrinking the department from 4,133 to 2,183 employees. This dramatic 50% cut follows 572 employees who had already accepted separation packages and 63 probationary workers who were terminated. The department-wide downsizing affects every sector, though it primarily targets internal roles while attempting to preserve functions that directly serve students and educational institutions across the country.
Department offices in Washington, D.C. and regional locations were temporarily closed for security reasons following the announcement, with employees instructed to take their laptops home. The restructuring plan includes consolidating six communications offices, ending leases in major cities, and reducing the department’s physical footprint in the capital. Additionally, telework agreements have largely been eliminated as remaining staff are called back to offices.
The Department of Education initiated mass layoffs on Tuesday night, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%, sources told ABC News. https://t.co/BOtgmWDahO
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) March 12, 2025
Support for Affected Employees
The department has implemented measures to assist laid-off employees during this transition period. Staff affected by the cuts will be placed on administrative leave beginning March 21, while continuing to receive their full pay and benefits until June 9. This three-month cushion provides time for employees to seek new employment opportunities without immediate financial pressure. Additionally, severance packages and retirement benefits will be provided based on eligibility, helping to ease the financial burden of this unexpected job loss.
“Reduction in Force” (RIF) notices began being distributed at 6 p.m. with remaining employees receiving emails about significant changes in work priorities. The department states that it’s committed to helping displaced workers find new employment, though specific details about these support services remain limited. The mass layoff has created uncertainty among employees, with many expressing concerns about job security and potential repercussions for challenging decisions made during this restructuring process.
Political Reactions and Department Functions
The job cuts have generated strong reactions across the political spectrum. Republicans, including Senator Bill Cassidy, support the move as a means to address redundancy and inefficiency within the federal government. Senator Cassidy confirmed that the cuts would not impair the department’s “ability to carry out its statutory obligations,” suggesting essential functions would remain intact despite the reduced workforce. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has assured that critical services like student loans, Pell Grants, and special needs funding will continue uninterrupted.
Democrats have sharply criticized the move, with former chair Senator Patty Murray arguing it deprives students and teachers of essential resources. Senator Bernie Sanders emphasized that the department provides critical resources to millions of children in high-poverty districts and students with disabilities. The National Education Association’s President Becky Pringle condemned the layoffs, stating they harm students and educators nationwide. Though President Trump intends to dissolve the department via executive order, completely dismantling it requires Congressional approval with 60 Senate votes, which remains unlikely given Democratic opposition.
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Education Department Fires 1,300 Workers, Gutting Its Staff
Education Department announces it’s cutting nearly 50% of workforce
Department of Education lays off nearly 50% of its workforce
